Swire Hotels Partners with Fly Greener Offering Carbon Offsets

From 1 June 2011, Marco Polo Club members travelling on a Cathay Pacific or Dragonair flight and staying at a Swire Hotels property will be able to offset the carbon emissions from their inbound journey. This benefit will begin with The Opposite House in Beijing and The Upper House in Hong Kong.

Swire Hotels will be purchasing carbon offsets from FLY greener to help support the development of environmental projects in Mainland China that reduce carbon emissions and generate social benefits. Cathay Pacific, Dragonair, and Swire Hotels are conscious of making a positive difference to the environment and, in addition to carbon offsets, the three companies are committed to managing their environmental and sustainability impacts.

Cathay Pacific and Dragonair have been making focused efforts to lower their carbon emissions through fleet modernisation, enhanced operational measures and working with industry partners on improved air traffic infrastructure. Since 1998 they have improved the fuel efficiency of their fleet by 23.4%.

Both The Opposite House and The Upper House are committed to improving their environmental and sustainability performance. Upon arrival at the Houses, guests are welcomed to check in anywhere in the hotel with a Guest Experience team member by using a designated tablet PC or iPad® containing all guests’ information and preferences for a paperless experience. At The Upper House, a unique iPod touch® is provided in each of the guest rooms and suites offering a comprehensive source for all hotel information, in-room dining, local area information, weather, news and feedback forms at the touch of a screen, replacing printed hotel directories. The hotel also uses energy-saving Lexus RX450H hybrid cars for airport transfers and private hire.

Cathay Pacific Head of Environmental Affairs Mark Watson said: "We recognise the vital contribution made by our loyal customers in supporting not only our business, but also our ongoing sustainability efforts. This new initiative makes it easier than ever for members of The Marco Polo Club to offset their carbon emissions from their trips and to help reduce their personal carbon footprints."

Brian Williams, Managing Director of Swire Hotels, said: “Swire Hotels has given great consideration to the preferences of our guests and the effect our practices have on the environment. This new drive allows both Swire Hotels and our guests to take a more active role in environmental initiatives by offsetting carbon emissions from air travel in a way that is credible, cost effective and efficient.”

Paperless arrival and departure experience with iPad® check-in at The Opposite House and The Upper House.